Learning French: progress comes from keeping going
It’s fascinating how our bodies and minds adapt to difficult conditions. Take temperature, for example.
When we left for the New Year holidays in Arkhangelsk, it hit about -5 in St. Petersburg. For me, this is terribly uncomfortable - it’s real winter, you have to wear a hat and gloves so as not to freeze.
On the trip I expected it to be about the same, but as we approached the north the temperature began to drop treacherously. The counter showed -13 at first, and then dropped all the way to -25.
This, of course, made us nervous. What if something happens to the car - being on the side of the road with two children in such cold weather would be a nightmare!
The homeland greeted me with a sure frost and did not want to let me go. Just as we began planning our departure home, the mercury hovered at -30 to -40.
After waiting a little, we finally decided to go. On the way we caught -37. And what is characteristic is that this time for some reason there were much less fears and worries...
In the Leningrad region it warmed up to -7. I went out to gas stations unbuttoned, without a hat - it’s hot!!!
And this is what I mean...
When my students and I start preparing for the exam, we take the simplest topics. But out of habit, they seem very difficult - new vocabulary, you have to learn a lot, think about how to formulate a thought, understand your interlocutor, and so on. This is really hard work...
But then the topics become even more complex and strange, whoever takes the TEF knows how much. And against this background, the first classes already seem easier!
Entering into a new experience is always difficult.
And it is important not to give up at the start, not to be afraid of difficulties, but to move on. Then everything will work out and you will have a reason to be proud of yourself and climb steeper peaks!
In general, the one who walks will master the road, don’t you agree?
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